Vehicle opened gate

ABSTRACT

A rectangular gate has a top frame member which carries a latch plate at one end and which houses an initially stressed torsion bar spring at the other end. When suitable vehicle thrust is applied to the gate, it yields along the bottom while the top frame member turns in place, thereby storing spring energy and upedging the latch plate until it releases the gate. Propelled by the spring stored energy, the released gate then swings about a vertical axis to its open position where it is automatically latched open for a time interval before returning to its closed position by gravity.

[ 51 Apr. 25, 1972 [54] VEHICLE OPENED GATE Felix B. Romberg, PO. Box218, Holland, Tex. 76534 [22] Filed: Jan. 16,1970

[Zl] Appl. No.1 3,318

[72] Inventor:

51 1m. (:1. v ..Es 15/00 58 Field of Search ..49/364, 262, 263, 242,273, 49/279 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,802,599 4/1931Gross ..49/364 x 2,691,836 1954 David..... ....49/364 x FOREIGN PATENTSOR APPLICATIONS 228,255 4/1960 Australia ..49/364 PrimaryExaminer-Dennis L. Taylor Atr0rney-Richards, Harris & Hubbard [57]ABSTRACT A rectangular gate has a top frame member which carries a latchplate at one end and which houses an initially stressed torsion barspring at the other end. When suitable vehicle thrust is applied to thegate, it yields along the bottom while the top frame member turns inplace, thereby storing spring energy and upedging the latch plate untilit releases the gate. Propelled by the spring stored energy, thereleased gate then swings about a vertical axis to its open positionwhere it is automatically latched open for a time interval beforereturning to its closed position by gravity.

2,742,722 4/1956 Schaefer ..49/364 X 3,378,953 4/1968 Barrowclough..49/364 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures ///\"& 63jq 65 NTED i;

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sum [1F 7 INVENTOR FELIX B. ROMBERG FIG. 10 zz-oz w WW ATTORNEYPATENTEDAFRZSIBTE SHEET 5 BF 7 FIG. I3

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ATTORNEY PATENTEDAPR 25 1972 SHEET 7 BF 7 INVENTOR FELIX B. IROMBERGATTORNEY VEHICLE OPENED GATE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates to gates such as are opened and closed when vehiclesenter and leave livestock enclosures, and more particularly to gateswhich by application of vehicle thrust can be unlatched and set inmotion so as to automatically swing free of the vehicle to an openposition.

PRIOR ART Bumper actuated gates came into use when front bumpers ofautomobiles were more rugged, more resilient and farther in front of theauto body shell than in todays fine cars, and when gates were notrequired to be wide enough to accommodate modern farm equipment. Mostbumper gates previously developed were designed for past conditionsrather than present or future requirements.

Many hinged gates formerly were constructed of boards and are nowsimilarly constructed of structurally formed sheet metal strips rivetedtogether. Susceptability to wind pressure renders such gates unsuitablefor free swinging bumper actuated gates. Such prior gates also have poortorsional properties. Other conventional gates tend to be rather heavyand are made even heavier when used as bumper gates, thus carryingadditional parts and requiring added strength. After a period ofservice, the weight and leverage of such gates tends to upset thedesired axis of rotation.

The weight of a gate is also a burden on a spring provided to absorb thethrust of a vehicle and to transmit energy to propel the gate open. Butweight distribution is even more important than weight itself, becausethe inertial resistance of mass to rotation of a gate about its axis ata given rate is proportional to the square of the distance of the massfrom that axis.

The present gate uses a somewhat similar torsion spring mechanism as isdisclosed in applicant's copending patent application Ser. No. 751,530,filed Aug. 9, 1968. There is, however, a difference in the construction,location and application of the present torsion spring mechanism. In thepresent gate, the torsion spring mechanism and vehicle contacting partsare near the axial end of the gate where their weight has less leverageon the gates support, where the inertial burden upon the spring isleast, and where the stress generated in the gate frame by bumper thrustand spring torque is transmitted most directly to the gates axis.Additionally, waste of energy through conventional devices for dampeningdoor closing movements is superseded in the present gate by automaticlatching of the gate in the open position for a time interval before afree swinging closing movement begins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, atubular longitudinal top frame member forms the base ofa near righttriangle in which a vertical axle is the altitude and a guy is thehypotenuse. The entire triangle with carried parts is swingable betweenclosed and open gate positions with the turning of the vertical axle.The longitudinal frame member is pivotal along a horizontal axis definedat the axle end by a largely housed initially stiff torsion springmechanism which is connected with the vertical axle by a horizontalcross pin. Pendant from the longitudinal frame member at its ends areintegral arms between which barbed wires are strung to provide alivestock barrier. A third arm is pendant near the axle end of thelongitudinal frame member and carries vehicle contact members to whichvehicle thrust is applied to open the gate. The latched gate does notyield to vehicle thrust until an initial stress of the torsion spring isovercome, after which the bottom of the gate yields and the top framemember turns in place. The turning stores energy in the spring andupedges a latch plate at the other end of the gate until the latch plateescapes from a keeper, whereupon the spring reverses the turning withsufficient vigor to fling the gate away from the vehicle and to its openposition, wherein the gate is automatically latched open for a timeinterval before returning to its latched closed posi tion by gravity.

The present gate has light thin walled tubular frame members at the topand ends where livestock are not likely to collide with them. A slightbowing of the frame normally tenses the wires. The amount of additionalbowing when wires are engaged is limited by safety stops while the gateremains closed.

DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention andfor further objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present gate in its closed position;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing successive stages in the opening of thegate;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the pivot axle of thegate, and related parts;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a detailed fragmentary vertical longitudinal section of thetop frame member of my gate and associated parts;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the latch mechanism and guyattachment;

FIG. 7 is a view of the latch keeper and related parts, taken on line 77of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the gate actuating arm, bumper bars and tractorwheel contact roller;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the spring anchor block 48 of the invention;

FIGS. 10a-c are cross sections taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 5 indifferent operating positions of the tube 13;

FIGS. Ila-c are cross sections taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 5 in theconditions shown in FIGS. IOa-c;

FIGS. l2a-c are cross sections taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 5 in theoperational positions shown in FIGS. l0a-c;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the mechanism for latching the gate in theopen position, with the latch plate being supported in the lower mountedposition;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13, henceshowing the latch plate and dashpot in section;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, but showing the latch I plate heldin the extreme raised position;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 14; and

FIG. 17 is a cross section taken on line l717 of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,the numeral 1 refers to the stationary frame which carries the pivotedaxle 2 (FIGS. 1 and 3) in an upright position between a flat upperbracket 3 and a U-shaped lower bracket 4 of the frame. The axle isconnected to brackets 3 and 4 by means of aligned pivot pins 5 and 6,respectively.

The axle 2 is comprised of three parts including a hollow shaft 7, a topplate 8 having an upturned extension 9, and a rectangular loop 10 (FIGS.3 and 4). The top of loop 10 is perpendicular to the lower end of thehollow shaft to which it is joined, as by welding. The bottom side ofrectangular loop 10 rests on the bracket 4 and is perforated to receivethe pivot pin 6 which extends downward through perforations in the upperand lower sections of the bracket 4.

The internal width of the loop 10 is equal to the outer diameter of atube 11 which is held in the loop by the bolt 12 which passes throughsuitable perforations in the opposite sides of the loop 10 and theopposite sides of the tube 11. This connection permits some pivotaladjustment of tube 11 but prevents it from turning on its own axis. Tube11 extends into tube 13 which is the top frame member of the gate.

To frame member 13 are rigidly secured three pendant arms l4, l5 and 16.Arms 14 and 16 are end members of the frame and support barbed wires 17stretched between them. Ann 15 (FIGS. 1 and 8) may be perforated at 18and 19 to provide passages for the upper barbed wires. A cross piece 20is secured to the lower end of arm perpendicular to the central plane ofthe gate. Cross piece carries at its ends the u per ends of rubber facedbumper contact bars 21 which are suitably spaced from the barbed wires.The lower ends of the bumper contact bars 21 are connected by a crossbar 22 secured at the central plane of the gate to a hollow shaft 23which extends from the pendant arm 14 beyond the cross bar 22. Hollowshaft 23 serves as the axle for a tractor wheel contact roller 24 and ananchor for one end of one of the barbed wires.

The top frame member 13 is of thin walled, large diameter tubing, exceptat the axial end where athicker walled section 25 provides extrastrength. The pendant arm 14 is connected to this thicker walledsection. The pendant arm 16, which is of thin walled tubing, is securedto a plate 26 (FIGS. 5 and 6), which is also secured to the end oftubular frame member 13. Plate 26 is sandwiched diagonally between thetwo thin walled tubular members, and joined to each, as by welding. Theupper end of plate 26 is formed to provide two aligned hinge bearingsections 27, the sections having a space between them which is occupiedloosely by the end loop 28 of the guy 29. Loop 28 is secured in place bya pin 30 extending through the bearing sections. Outward of the bearingsections, pin 30 further provides pivotal support for the suitablyformed spaced ends 31 of the latch plate 32.

The upper end of the guy 29 is enlarged and threaded and passes througha perforation in top plate extension 9 of the axle 2. The guy 29 is heldby a nut 33 which can be manipulated to adjust the height of the latchplate carrying end of the gate.

When the gate is in its latched closed position, the latch plate 32rests flat on the bottom of a recess 34 (FIGS. 5, 6 and 7) of the latchkeeper 35 which is secured to the post 36 as by bolting. On theunderside of the latch plate 32 is a loop bracket 37 into which theupper end of a strap spring 38 is hooked. The lower end of the strapspring 38 is attached to a formed hook at the lower end of a rod 39which is secured to the adjacent side of the frame member 16. The upperend of rod 39 is bent outward from the frame member to a positionunderneath the latch plate 32 near the loop bracket 37 to support thelatch plate when it is not supported by the latch keeper 35.

The latch keeper has towards each end a camming section 40 for liftingthe latch plate as the gate closes, and also has a plate loweringsection 41 between the lifting section and the recess so that the latchplate 32 will enter the region of the recess with a downward rather thanan upward movement, thus insuring against the latch plate 32 leapingover the recess when the gate swings fast. Other means for insuringentrapment of the latch plate into the recess are the widening of therecess beyond the width of the latch plate and the tension of the strapspring 38. When the gate is in its closed position the tension of thespring 38 supports a fraction of the weight of the outer end of thegate. When the top frame member of the gate is turned on its axis, thelatch plate is tilted as shown by the dotted position 32' (FIG. 7) sothat pressure of the latch plate in the direction of the lifted edgewill cause the gate to unlatch, which is accomplished by the latch plateriding out of the recess. The loop 28 is held loose enough to adjust tothe turning of tube 13.

A cross wall 42 (FIG. 5) is defined in the tubular top frame member 13where the pendant arm 15 is secured, reinforcing the top frame member atthis point of stress. The thick walled section 25 at the axial end offrame member 13 has a working fit around the outer end portion of tube11. To save material, the intermediate portion of tube 11 is of reduceddiameter and has a thinner wall. This intermediate portion extends to athick end wall 43, the outer diameter of which has a working fit in theinterior of tubular member 13. This end wall has a central opening toprovide clearance for a torsion bar spring 44.

Torsion bar spring 44 has enlarged square end portions and anintermediate portion of uniform round cross section. The square endportions are mounted in close fitting square channels 45 and 46 inspring anchor blocks 47 and 48, respectively, so that the spring bar 44is centered in both blocks. Anchor block 47 has a circular peripherywhich has a working contact with the interior of the larger diameterportion of tube 11. Anchor block 48 occupies the space between the crosswall 42 and the end wall 43, and has an outer diameter with a workingfit inside the tubular frame member 13 adjacent the cross wall 42.

A bolt 49 passes crosswise through the axial center of anchor block 47and passes through the walls of tubes 11 and 13 on both sides of theanchor block. A close fitting perforation is provided for bolt 49 in theanchor block, but the openings for the bolt through the tubes outward ofthe anchor block are circumferentially elongated as shown in FIGS. 10ac.The spring bar 44 is slightly shorter than the distance from the bolt 49to the cross wall 42, so that end thrust generated by the guy 29 againsttubular frame member 13 will be transmitted by the cross wall 42 of tube13, through the anchor block 48 to the end wall 43 of tube 11, andthence to the bolt 12 and axle 2.

Spring anchor block 48 has on each side two opposite recessed quadrants.The two recessed quadrants on the side facing and adjacent to the endwall are shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and lla-c. As indicated in FIG. 9, each ofthe recessed quadrants on this side of the anchor block extends from aradial shoulder 50 to another radial shoulder 51, and outward from anannular shoulder 52. Similarly, the two recesses on the opposite side ofthe anchor block 48, which side faces and is adjacent to the cross wall42, extend between radial shoulders 53 and 54 and outward from annularshoulder 55, as shown in FIGS. 5 and -0.

As shown in FIGS. Ila-c, the two recesses facing the end wall 43 receiveprojections 56, which are integral with the end wall and correspond tothe recesses receiving them. However, the projections are angularlyshorter than the recessed quadrants, thus permitting some relativerotary movement between the end wall 43 and the spring anchor block 48.

As shown in FIGS. l2a-c, the two recesses of the spring anchor block 48facing the cross wall 42 receive projections 57 which are integral withthe cross wall and cylindrical wall of the tubular frame member 13 andcorrespond to the recesses receiving them, except that the projectionsare angularly shorter than the recessed quadrants, thus permitting somerelative rotary movement between the cross wall 42 and the spring anchorblock 48.

Since the end wall 43 is integral with the tube 11 which is preventedfrom turning on its axis by the bolt 12, the projections 56 thereonmaintain a fixed position and limit the counterclockwise movement of thespring anchor block 48. Since the projections 57 of cross wall 42 areintegral with the tubular top frame member 13 of the gate, they movewith tube 13 when tube 13 is turned.

When-the gate is in its normal closed position free from external force,the barbed wire barrier defines a vertical plane with the top framemember of the gate 13 and the three pendant arms 14, 15 and 16. In thisposition, the latch plate makes a flat contact with the bottom of therecess of the latch keeper, the adjacent openings through tubes 1 l and13 for the bolt 49 register, and the torsion spring bar is torsionallystressed, or twisted, between the two spring anchor blocks. By comparingthe horizontal and vertical sides of the rectangular spring channel 45in FIG. loa with the clockwise turned spring channel 46 in FIG. 11a, thedegree of twisting in the spring can be noted, for the sides of the twoends of this spring are in common planes when the spring is notstressed. The torque produced by this degree of twisting urges thespring anchor block 47 clockwise and holds the bolt 49 against shoulders60, of the top and bottom walls of tube 11. Since tube 11 cannot turn onits axis, the bolt is now at its extreme clockwise position.

While the twist in the spring is putting clockwise torque on springanchor block 47, it is putting counterclockwise torque on anchor block48 (FIGS. 11a and 12a). The counterclockwise rotation of block 48 islimited by contact of its radial shoulders 50 with radial shoulders 58of the projections 56 l FIG. 11a), the position of which is fixedbecause tube 11 cannot turn on its axis. At the same time, the radialshoulders 53 on the opposite side of anchor block 48 are forced againstradial shoulders 61 of projections 57 of the cross wall 42. Thus, thespring pressure through radial shoulders 53 resists clockwise rotationof the top frame member 13 of the gate, and the spring pressure actingthrough bolt 49 against the shoulders 59 of the wall of the thick walledportion 25 of frame member 13 resists the counterclockwise rotation ofthe top frame member ofthe gate.

When bumper thrust forces the tubular top frame member 13 to turnclockwise enough to unlatch the gate, the shoulders 59 of tube 13 arewithdrawn from bolt 49 as shown in FIG. b but the bolt is heldstationary by the shoulders 60 of the nonturnable tube 11. This holdsthe spring anchor block 47 and the therein confined end of the torsionbar spring from turning clockwise. Instead, the clockwise advance ofprojections 57 with the tubular frame member 13 has moved the springanchor block 48 clockwise as shown in FIG. 12b, thereby increasing theangular disparity between the two ends of the spring and thereforeincreasing the torque of the spring. The clockwise rotation of springanchor block 48 has withdrawn the radial shoulders 50 of the end wallfacing side of anchor block 48 from the radial shoulders 58, as shown inFIG. 1112.

When bumper thrust has forced the tubular top frame member 13counterclockwise (FIG. 10c) to the amount required to unlatch the gate,the shoulders 59 of tube 13 have rotated the bolt 49 counterclockwise asseen in FIG. 10c, thereby rotating the spring anchor block 47 and thetherein gripped end of the torsion bar spring.

While the spring anchor block 47 is turned counterclockwise as shown inFIG. 100, the spring anchor block 48 remains at its position of contactwith the stationary projections 56 as shown in FIG. 11c, and therotation of tube 13 has moved the shoulders 61 of the projections 57away from the radial shoulders 53 of spring anchor block 48, as shown inFIG. 12c.

Generally livestock will avoid barbed wire barriers. Should an animalseek to force its way through the barbed wire barrier of this gate, theanimal would ordinarily make the attempt near the longitudinal middle ofthe gate, away from posts and thicker parts. Pressure against the wireat this location will result in an increase in the tension of the wireconsiderably greater than the perpendicular pressure against the wire.Such tension in the lower wires of the gate will cause top frame member13 to bow upward and the bottoms of end members 14 and 16 of the frameto be drawn toward each other. To prevent overstraining of the frame,safety stop lugs 62 and 63 are provided at the bottom of pendant arms 14and 16, respectively. The end portions of these lugs are turned at rightangles to interlock with similar lugs 64 and 65 projecting from theframe 1 and post 36, respectively, thereby limiting the inward movementof the pendant arms 14 and 16 when the gate is in its closed livestockconfining position. Owing to the initial stress of the torsion barspring, the force of an animal against the wire barrier may not open thegate even though the wire is damaged. By placing the lug 65 beneath thelug 63 and providing a post carried guard 66 above lug 63, the distalend of the gate is protected against abnormal vertical displacement inits closed position.

To open the gate, drivers of tractors having front wheels in the leadwill contact the roller 24 with the front wheel that is nearest theaxial end of the gate. To open the gate with an automobile or truck,about one fourth of the bumper will be on the axial side of the bumpercontact bar of the gate when thrust is applied slowly thereby causingthe bottom of the gate to yield while the top frame member 13 of thegate turns in place. Owing to the small amount of mass along the bottomof the gate, there is little inertial shock generated on contact. Theturning of frame member 13 increases the amount of twist between theends of the torsion bar spring, thereby storing energy. It also tiltsthe latch plate until its lifted side escapes from the recess of thelatch keeper.

In FIG. 2, the line 67 represents the position of the top of the gate,and the line 68 indicates the position of the bottom of the gate at thetime the latch plate becomes released. The left end of line 67represents the axle end of the gate. The arrow 69 indicates the locationof the bumper contact bar relative to the two ends of the gate. At thetime when the latch plate is released, the point of contact between thebumper and the bumper contact bar is approximately underneath the top ofthe gate. Upon release of the latch plate from its keeper, the torsionbar spring reverses the turning of the top of the gate. Presuming thereis no further movement of the vehicle against the bumper contact bar,the reversed turning of the top of the gate will move the gate to thedotted line 70 by the time the gate has been restored to its verticalposition, thereby terminating the impulse of the torsion bar spring.However, by this time the gate has attained sufficient velocity tocontinue its swing to its open position without further vehicle thrust.The axle 2 is tilted towards the post 36 so that the gate will swingfrom its open position back to its closed position by gravity withsufficient momentum to cam the latch plate into the recess of the latchkeeper.

To maintain the posture of the gate frame 1, this frame may be pivotedat a base 71 and adjustable at an anchor bolt 72. The bolt 12 may bedesigned to shear off underexcessive bumper thrust. Shielding may beprovided to keep rain and other water from entering the torsion springmechanism.

The invention further comprises structure to latch the gate in the openposition for a time interval to permit the vehicle to drive past thegate before the closing movement of the gate begins. This isaccomplished by the latch mechanism on the swinging part of the gate inconjunction with cooperating parts mounted on a post 73 of hollow squaresection (FIGS. 13 to 17). This tubular post is closed at the top toprevent internal corrosion and is supported by a brace 74 to maintainits proper distance relative to the path described by the latch platewhen the gate swing open.

At the upper end portion of post 73 is a carriage 75 comprising a basalpost enclosing girdle 76, an upper post enclosing girdle 77 and twoupright parallel flat bars 78 and 79 incorporated into and connectingthe two girdles. The bars 78 and 79 extend sideways beyond the side ofthe post and extend at two locations vertically beyond the upper girdle,where these two bars have aligned holes which serve as bearings for thehorizontal pivot shaft 80. An integral arm 81 extends upward from oneend of shaft 80. The arm 81, in turn, has a laterally extending integrallatch plate lifting arm 82 which is longitudinal to the swing path ofthe outer end portion of the latch plate 32.

Any suitable dash pot 83 is mounted between a pivot pin 84 on the arm 82and a cross pin 85 connecting the bifurcated lower end 86 of the dashpotwith an extension 87 of the basal girdle of the carriage 75.

A nut 88 is fixedly secured to the basal girdle and the extension 87.Through this nut is threaded a bolt 89 which is supported by a bracket90 of the post 73. By manipulation of the bolt, the carriage can beadjusted vertically to suit the height of the latch plate of the gate.

The outer end of the latch plate lifting arm 82 cams the latch plate 32upward as the latch plate advances with the opening swing of the gatetowards the upright arm 81. The opening swing of the gate is thenstopped as the latch plate strikes arm 81 and pivots it so theprojection 91 on the side of arm 81 makes contact with the backstop 92which is formed at the upper end of upright bar 78. The angular movementforced upon upright 81 by the momentum of the gate is accompanied by asimilar angular movement of the integral latch plate lifting arm 82.However, the angular disposition of the latch plate 32, as seen in FIGS.14 and 15, does not change since it is determined by the inclination ofthe gate in its open position, which in turn, is determined by theinclination of the axle 2 (FIG. 1). Hence, the pivoting forced upon arm81 by the thrust of the advanced edge of the latch plate causes the arm82 to elevate the latch plate by contact along the trailing portion ofthe latch plate. A recess defined in the top of arm 82 by the shoulder93 and surface 94, receives the trailing portion of the latch plate, asshown in FIG. 15, thus latching the gate in its open position. A lug 95extends over the edge of the latch plate from the top of arm 81 tofurther confine the latch plate to its latched position as the post 73vibrates from the impact of the gate.

To minimize trouble from icing, arm 82 is narrow at the top and isstiffened by a flange 96 at the bottom. The flange 96 extends from theupright 81 to the pivot pin 84, but is omitted beyond this pin. Theupper surface of the arm 82 is contoured to receive the pressure of thelatch plate at the upper end of surface 94 so that the pressure of thelatch plate, which is due to the tension of the strap spring 38, will betransmitted to a large extent to the dashpot. The dashpot delays thereturn of the latch plate from the elevated latched position shown inFIG. to the lowered unlatched position shown in FIG. 14. When the latterposition is reached, gravitational force acting on the gate by virtue ofthe inclined axle 2 then overcomes the friction between the latch plateand the arm 82 and swings the gate back to its closed position.

As the present gate opens towards either direction from its closedposition, it is necessary to employ a post 73 and the mechanism thereonat the two open positions of the gate, the mechanism being similar inthe two positions, except that there is a right handed and left handedrelationship.

The dashpot here presented is comprised of a hydraulic chamber 97 madeby combining two shells 98 and 99 with a band 100, including aperforated plate 101 secured between the two shells. The rod 102 ispivotally secured at its upper end to the pin 84 and extends downwardthrough an opening at the top of the hydraulic chamber and through acentral opening in plate 101. The lower end of this rod rests at thebottom of the hydraulic chamber when the arm 82 is in its lowestposition, as shown in FIG. 14. A hood 103 is fixedly secured to the rodabove the hydraulic chamber to protect the entrance to the hydraulicchamber from dirt and rain.

A valve seat 104 is fixedly secured in the hydraulic chamber at suchdistance above the plate 101 as may be desired for the valve 105 andvalve spring 106. The valve is designed to cover the large centralopening in the valve seat. The valve has an elongated tubular shank 107about the rod and may be fitted loosely enough about the rod to bypassfluid, or else a special bypass 108 may be provided through the valveseat.

As previously explained, the gates opening movement ends with a veryquick shift of arm 82 from its lower position shown in FIG. 14 to itshigher position shown in FIG. 15, thereby effecting an equally quickraising of the rod 102 in the hydraulic chamber which is filled with ahydraulic fluid well above the valve seat. During this lifting of therod, the fluid above the valve overcomes the pressure of the valvespring and flows downward past the valve and through the perforations inplate 101 to occupy the space vacated by the rod. The valve spring thenreturns the valve to its closed position against the valve seat and therod begins its downward thrust due to the tension of the strap spring 38on the latch plate 32. This downward thrust is transmitted to a largepart to the rod 102. Owing to the limited rate of flow of displacedfluid upward through the space between the rod and valve shank 107, oralternately, through a special by-pass 108, the gate remains latched fora time interval, but is eventually released to commence its swing to itsclosed position. A strap spring may be hooked at the eyelet 109 to applya downward pull to arm 82 if it is desired to shorten the time intervalthe gate remains latched in the open position, or in gates using a rigidlatch plate.

Although the present invention has been disclosed with respect to aspecific embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various changesand modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it isintended to encompass such changes and modifications as fall within thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic gate comprising:

a generally rectangular gate unit,

first supporting means for pivotally supporting said rectangular unit atan upper level along longitudinally spaced intervals defining alongitudinal pivot axis,

means for pivotally supporting said first supporting means and thethereon supported rectangular unit at vertically spaced intervals alonga vertical pivot axis adjacent one end of the rectangular unit forpivotal movement of the gate from its closed position in eitherdirection to an open position,

a latch member so constructed and so mounted on said rectangular unitthat the latch members posture will retain the gate in the closedposition when the rectangular unit is in its normal vertical posture andwill release the gate from its closed position when the rectangular unitis pivoted on said longitudinal pivot axis to certain clockwise andcounterclockwise tilted postures,

means for receiving the thrust of a motor vehicle along the lower partof said rectangular unit for forcibly pivoting said rectangular unitabout said longitudinal pivot axis to said latch releasing postures, and

resilient means for storing energy when said rectangular unit is pivotedabout said longitudinal pivot axis by a vehicle to an unlatching tiltedposture and for returning said rectangular unit to its vertical postureafter latch release with sufficient vigor to fling the gate away fromthe thrust applying vehicle and to the open position.

2. An automatic gate comprising:

a generally vertically disposed rectangular gate unit,

first supporting means for pivotally supporting said rectangular unit atan upper level along longitudinally spaced intervals defining alongitudinal pivot axis about which the rectangular unit can be pivoted,

means for pivotally supporting said first supporting means and thethereon supported rectangular unit at vertically spaced intervals alonga vertical pivot axis adjacent one end of the rectangular unit forpivotal movement of the gate from its closed position in eitherdirection to an open position,

latch means for holding the gate closed at the opposite end from saidvertical pivot axis until said rectangular unit is pivoted to a certainangular position about said longitudinal axis,

means for receiving the thrust of a vehicle along the lower level of therectangular unit, and

resilient means along said longitudinal pivot axis for storing energywhen said rectangular unit is pivoted about said longitudinal pivot axisby a vehicle to unlatch said gate and for applying the stored energy tofling the gate away from the vehicle and to an open position, once thegate has been unlatched.

3. In a vehicle actuated gate, the combination comprising:

a gate,

means for mounting said gate for pivotal movement about a longitudinalaxis from a normal vertical posture in either direction to tiltedpostures,

vertical axial means for mounting said gate for pivotal movement about avertical axis from a closed position in either direction to an openposition,

spring means along said longitudinal axis for communicating torque forresisting pivotal movement of said gate about said longitudinal axis andfor forcefully returning said gate from a tilted posture to the normalvertical posture, said spring means communicating torsional forces tosaid vertical axial means,

structure mounted on said gate for receiving the thrust of a vehicle forpivoting said gate on said longitudinal axis, and

latch means for retaining said gate in its closed position until saidgate is pivoted to certain tilted postures, then to release said gatefrom latch retention, whereupon said spring means returns said gate toits vertical posture with such vigor as to fling the gate from saidthrust applying vehicle to an open position.

4. In an automatic gate, the combination comprising:

an axle pivotally mounted along a generally vertical pivot line.

a second axle pivotally joined to said vertical axle for pivotalmovement in a vertical plane,

a generally vertical livestock barring unit pivotally mounted at oneupper end on said second axle member along a longitudinal pivot axis,

a guy supporting the opposite end of said livestock barring unit from ahigher elevation,

latch means for holding the gate closed until saidlivestock barring unitis pivoted to a certain angular position about said longitudinal axis,

vehicle contacting means along the lower part of said livestock barringunit such that a vehicle may force said unit to pivot to the latchreleasing angular position, and

spring means for storing energy when said livestock barring unit ispivoted to the latch releasing angle and thereupon applying said storedenergy to swing the gate away from said vehicle and to an open position.

5. The automatic gate of claim 4 and further comprising:

means for restraining the guy supported end of the livestock barringunit from vertical displacement while in the normal closed position.

6. A vehicle opened gate mounted at one end to swing between closed andopen positions about a vertical pivot axis and constructed to tilt aboutan upper longitudinal axis, comprising:

latch means for holding the gate closed at said upper longitudinal axisand for releasing the gate from the closed position when the gate hasbeen tilted to a certain angular posture by the thrust of a vehicle,

an elongated torsional spring mounted along said upper longitudinalpivot axis,

structure to hold the spring initially stressed and thereby hold saidgate in a vertical posture until the initial stress is overcome by thethrust of a vehicle at the lower part of the gate, and to torsionallystress said spring additionally when the gate is being tilted to thelatch releasing posture, and

said spring having capacity to store enough energy when so additionallystressed to return said gate to its vertical posture with sufficientvigor after latch release to fling the gate away from the thrustapplying vehicle and to its open position.

7. In an automatic gate, the combination comprising:

an upright axle mounted for rotation about an upright pivot axis at oneend ofthe gate,

an inner tubular member extending substantially perpendicularly from ahorizontal pivotal connection with said upright axle,

an outer tubular member having one end surrounding and riding pivotallyon said inner tubular member,

a guy supporting the other end of said outer tubular member from ahigher elevation,

a torsion bar spring concentric in said inner and outer tubular members,

spring twisting means for communicating torque between one end of saidspring and each of said tubular members in a clockwise direction,

spring twisting means for communicating torque between the other end ofsaid spring and each of said tubular members in the counterclockwisedirection, and

said spring being initially torsionally stressed between the springtwisting means at its two ends whereby the rotation of said outertubular member in either direction is resisted first by said initialtorsional stress and then additionally by additional twisting of saidspring.

8. The gate according to claim 7 and further distinguished by saidupright axle having a loop at its lower end, and with said inner tubularmember extending into said loop and being pivotally connected therewithby means of a cross pin extending through the two sides of said loop andthe two sides of said inner tubular member.

9. In an automatic gate mounted to swing in either direction betweenclosed and open positions about a vertical pivot axis, the combinationcomprising:

a generally vertical and generally rectangular livestock barring unit,

said unit having a frame extending longitudinally along its top anddownwardly along its two ends, the longitudinal section along the topbeing the entire frame connection between the two ends,

wires strung tensioned between the two ends,

means at the lower extremity of each frame end to limit the distance theframe ends can be drawn toward each other at their lower extremities byadditional wire tension while the gate is in its closed position,

said means including structure formed and spaced at one of said frameends to connect the lower extremity of that frame end with an adjacentcooperating stationary object when the frame end is drawn apredetermined amount toward the other frame end while the gate is in itsnormal closed position.

10. In a vehicle actuated gate, the combination comprising:

a generally vertical and generally rectangular livestock barring unit,

said unit having a frame section longitudinally along its top andvertically along its two ends, the longitudinal section along the topbeing the entire frame connection between the two ends,

wires strung tensioned between the ends of said frame,

structure for receiving vehicle thrust fixedly joined to and pendantfrom the longitudinal section of said frame intermediate of the twoends,

support means for said rectangular unit pivotally connected with saidlongitudinal frame section adjacent to the ends of the livestock barringunit for movement about a longitudinal axis, and

frame means for pivotally supporting said support means at verticallyspaced intervals along a vertical pivot axis adjacent to one end of saidrectangular unit so the unit can be pivoted from a closed position ineither direction to an open position.

11. The gate of claim 10 and further comprising:

means to limit the distance the lower parts of the frame ends can bedrawn towards each other by additional wire tension while the gate is inits closed position, and

said means comprising structure at the bottom of each frame end formedand spaced to connect with an adjacent cooperating stationary objectwhen the lower end of the frame is drawn a predetermined amount towardsthe opposite frame end.

12. A gate mounted at one end for rotation about a vertical axis from aclosed position in either direction to an open position, and alsomounted for movement at the bottom about an upper longitudinal pivotaxis defined at one end by a latch plate for holding the gate in itsclosed position, and further comprising:

a keeper for said latch plate mounted on a support adjacent said gate,

spring means for urging said latch plate down upon said keeper,

said keeper having a recess for said latch plate less than half as deepas said latch plate is wide for permitting release of said latch plateby upedging when the bottom of said gate is pivoted about saidlongitudinal axis by the thrust of a vehicle, and

resilient means to store energy when the bottom of the gate is pivotedabout said longitudinal axis by a vehicle to release said latch platefrom said keeper and to fling the gate away from said vehicle and to anopen position about said vertical axis when the gate is released by saidlatch plate.

13. In an automatic gate mounted at one end to swing laterally betweenclosed and open positions and having means urging a closing movementfrom the open position, latching means for latching the gate in the openposition for a time interval before it begins its closing movement, saidlatching means comprising:

a latch member mounted on said gate in a generally horizontal positionfor vertical movement,

a tilting unit carried by a stationary support and having a generallyupright arm with a latch blocking portion for engaging and arrestingsaid latch member at the end of the opening movement of said gate,

said tilting unit being pivoted at a level below said latch blockingportion so said upright arm tilts backward from a normal position inresponse to the thrust of the latch member generated by the momentum ofthe gate,

said tilting unit having a latch lifting arm extending forward from saidupright arm such that when the upright arm is thrust backward the latchlifting arm swings upward from a normal lower position to a raisedposition and carries said latch member upon itself to a raised position,

means for restraining said latch member from gate closing movement whilesaid lifting arm is in said raised position and for releasing said latchmember'for such movement when said lifting arm is in its normal lowerposition,

spring means for returning said lifting arm to its normal lowerposition, and

a dashpot connecting said tilting unit with said stationary support toretard the lowering of said lifting arm to its normal lower position andthus provide a time interval during which said latch member isrestrained and said gate is held open before it begins its closingmovement.

14. An automatic gate according to claim 16 and with said latch liftingarm normally disposed in the swing path of said latch member at anelevation adapted to cam said latch member upon itself when the gatenears its fully open position in its opening movement.

15. In a gate mounted at one end for rotation about a vertical pivotaxis from a closed position in either direction to an open position,

a longitudinal livestock barrier unit,

means for mounting said barrier unit for pivotal movement at the bottomabout an upper longitudinal pivot axis from a normal vertical posture toclockwise and counterclockwise tilted postures,

means for receiving the thrust of a motor vehicle along the lower partof said barrier unit for forcibly pivoting said barrier unit about saidlongitudinal axis,

a latch member mounted on said barrier unit for retaining the barrierunit in the closed position when the barrier unit is in its normalvertical posture and for releasing the barrier unit from the closedposition when the barrier unit is pivoted on said longitudinal pivotaxis to predetermined clockwise and counterclockwise tilted postures,and

resilient means for storing energy when said barrier unit is pivotedabout said longitudinal pivot axis by a thrust applying vehicle to anunlatching tilted posture and for returning said barrier unit to itsvertical posture with sufficient vigor after latch release to fling thegate about said vertical axis away from the thrust applying vehicle andto an open position.

222g? UNITED S'IA'IES PATENT QFFICE CERTIFICA'IE Q'F. CQRRECTEQN PatentN0- 3 657, 842 v Dat April 25, 1972 lnventofls) Felix B. Romberg It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 4, line 64, "loa" should be --l0a.

Col. 6, line 39, "swing" should be swings-.

Col. 11, line 30, "16" should be l3-.

Signed and sealed this 31st day of October 1972.

SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLEICHER,JR. ROBERT GOI'I'SCHALK Attesting Officer vCommissioner of Patents

1. An automatic gate comprising: a generally rectangular gate unit,first supporting means for pivotally supporting said rectangular unit atan upper level along longitudinally spaced intervals defining alongitudinal pivot axis, means for pivotally supporting said firstsupporting means and the thereon supported rectangular unit atvertically spaced intervals along a vertical pivot axis adjacent one endof the rectangular unit for pivotal movement of the gate from its closedposition in either direction to an open position, a latch member soconstructed and so mounted on said rectangular unit that the latchmember''s posture will retain the gate in the closed position when therectangular unit is in its normal vertical posture and will release thegate from its closed position when the rectangular unit is pivoted onsaid longitudinal pivot axis to certain clockwise and counterclockwisetilted postures, means for receiving the thrust of a motor vehicle alongthe lower part of said rectangular unit for forcibly pivoting saidrectangular unit about said longitudinal pivot axis to said latchreleasing postures, and resilient means for storing energy when saidrectangular unit is pivoted about said longitudinal pivot axis by avehicle to an unlatching tilted posture and for returning saidrectangular unit to its vertical posture after latch release withsufficient vigor to fling the gate away from the thrust applying vehicleand to the open position.
 2. An automatic gate comprising: a generallyvertically disposed rectangular gate unit, first supporting means forpivotally supporting said rectangular unit at an upper level alonglongitudinally spaced intervals defining a longitudinal pivot axis aboutwhich the rectangular unit can be pivoted, means for pivotallysupporting said first supporting means and the thereon supportedrectangular unit at vertically spaced intervals along a vertical pivotaxis adjacent one end of the rectangular unit for pivotal movement ofthe gate from its closed position in either direction to an openposition, latch means for holding the gate closed at the opposite endfrom said vertical pivot axis until said rectangular unit is pivoted toa certain angular position about said longitudinal axis, means forreceiving the thrust of a vehicle along the lower level of therectangular unit, and resilient means along said longitudinal pivot axisfor storing energy when said rectangular unit is pivoted about saidlongitudinal pivot axis by a vehicle to unlatch said gate and forapplying the stored energy to fling the gate away from the vehicle andto an open position, once the gate has been unlatched.
 3. In a vehicleactuated gate, the combination comprising: a gate, means for mountingsaid gate for pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis from a normalvertical posture in either direction to tilted postures, vertical axialmeans for mounting said gate for pivotal movement about a vertical axisfrom a closed position in either direction to an open position, springmeans along said longitudinal axis for communicating torque forresisting pivotal movement of said gate about said longitudinal axis andfor forcefully returning said gate from a tilted posture to the normalvertical posture, said spring means communicating torsional forces tosaid vertical axial means, structure mounted on said gate for receivingthe thrust of a vehicle for pivoting said gate on said longitudinalaxis, and latch means for retaining said gate in its closed positionuntil said gate is pivoted to certain tilted postures, then to releasesaid gate from latch retention, whereupon said spring means returns saidgate to its vertical posture with such vigor as to fling the gate fromsaid thrust applying vehicle to an open position.
 4. In an automaticgate, the combination comprising: an axle pivotally mounted along agenerally vertical pivot line, a second axle pivotally joined to saidvertical axle for pivotal movement in a vertical plane, a generallyvertical livestock barring unit pivotally mounted at one upper end onsaid second axle member along a longitudinal pivot axis, a guysupporting the opposite end of said livestock barring unit from a higherelevation, latch means for holding the gate closed until said livestockbarring unit is pivoted to a certain angular position about saidlongitudinal axis, vehicle contacting means along the lower part of saidlivestock barring unit such that a vehicle may force said unit to pivotto the latch releasing angular position, and spring means for storingenergy when said livestock barring unit is pivoted to the latchreleasing angle and thereupon applying said stored energy to swing thegate away from said vehicle and to an open position.
 5. The automaticgate of claim 4 and further comprising: means for restraining the guysupported end of the livestock barring unit from vertical displacementwhile in the normal closed position.
 6. A vehicle opened gate mounted atone end to swing between closed and open positions about a verticalpivot axis and constructed to tilt about an upper longitudinal axis,comprising: latch means for holding the gate closed at said upperlongitudinal axis and for releasing the gate from the closed positionwhen the gate has been tilted to a certain angular posture by the thrustof a vehicle, an elongatEd torsional spring mounted along said upperlongitudinal pivot axis, structure to hold the spring initially stressedand thereby hold said gate in a vertical posture until the initialstress is overcome by the thrust of a vehicle at the lower part of thegate, and to torsionally stress said spring additionally when the gateis being tilted to the latch releasing posture, and said spring havingcapacity to store enough energy when so additionally stressed to returnsaid gate to its vertical posture with sufficient vigor after latchrelease to fling the gate away from the thrust applying vehicle and toits open position.
 7. In an automatic gate, the combination comprising:an upright axle mounted for rotation about an upright pivot axis at oneend of the gate, an inner tubular member extending substantiallyperpendicularly from a horizontal pivotal connection with said uprightaxle, an outer tubular member having one end surrounding and ridingpivotally on said inner tubular member, a guy supporting the other endof said outer tubular member from a higher elevation, a torsion barspring concentric in said inner and outer tubular members, springtwisting means for communicating torque between one end of said springand each of said tubular members in a clockwise direction, springtwisting means for communicating torque between the other end of saidspring and each of said tubular members in the counterclockwisedirection, and said spring being initially torsionally stressed betweenthe spring twisting means at its two ends whereby the rotation of saidouter tubular member in either direction is resisted first by saidinitial torsional stress and then additionally by additional twisting ofsaid spring.
 8. The gate according to claim 7 and further distinguishedby said upright axle having a loop at its lower end, and with said innertubular member extending into said loop and being pivotally connectedtherewith by means of a cross pin extending through the two sides ofsaid loop and the two sides of said inner tubular member.
 9. In anautomatic gate mounted to swing in either direction between closed andopen positions about a vertical pivot axis, the combination comprising:a generally vertical and generally rectangular livestock barring unit,said unit having a frame extending longitudinally along its top anddownwardly along its two ends, the longitudinal section along the topbeing the entire frame connection between the two ends, wires strungtensioned between the two ends, means at the lower extremity of eachframe end to limit the distance the frame ends can be drawn toward eachother at their lower extremities by additional wire tension while thegate is in its closed position, said means including structure formedand spaced at one of said frame ends to connect the lower extremity ofthat frame end with an adjacent cooperating stationary object when theframe end is drawn a predetermined amount toward the other frame endwhile the gate is in its normal closed position.
 10. In a vehicleactuated gate, the combination comprising: a generally vertical andgenerally rectangular livestock barring unit, said unit having a framesection longitudinally along its top and vertically along its two ends,the longitudinal section along the top being the entire frame connectionbetween the two ends, wires strung tensioned between the ends of saidframe, structure for receiving vehicle thrust fixedly joined to andpendant from the longitudinal section of said frame intermediate of thetwo ends, support means for said rectangular unit pivotally connectedwith said longitudinal frame section adjacent to the ends of thelivestock barring unit for movement about a longitudinal axis, and framemeans for pivotally supporting said support means at vertically spacedintervals along a vertical pivot axis adjacent to one end of saidrectangular unit so the unit can be pivoted froM a closed position ineither direction to an open position.
 11. The gate of claim 10 andfurther comprising: means to limit the distance the lower parts of theframe ends can be drawn towards each other by additional wire tensionwhile the gate is in its closed position, and said means comprisingstructure at the bottom of each frame end formed and spaced to connectwith an adjacent cooperating stationary object when the lower end of theframe is drawn a predetermined amount towards the opposite frame end.12. A gate mounted at one end for rotation about a vertical axis from aclosed position in either direction to an open position, and alsomounted for movement at the bottom about an upper longitudinal pivotaxis defined at one end by a latch plate for holding the gate in itsclosed position, and further comprising: a keeper for said latch platemounted on a support adjacent said gate, spring means for urging saidlatch plate down upon said keeper, said keeper having a recess for saidlatch plate less than half as deep as said latch plate is wide forpermitting release of said latch plate by upedging when the bottom ofsaid gate is pivoted about said longitudinal axis by the thrust of avehicle, and resilient means to store energy when the bottom of the gateis pivoted about said longitudinal axis by a vehicle to release saidlatch plate from said keeper and to fling the gate away from saidvehicle and to an open position about said vertical axis when the gateis released by said latch plate.
 13. In an automatic gate mounted at oneend to swing laterally between closed and open positions and havingmeans urging a closing movement from the open position, latching meansfor latching the gate in the open position for a time interval before itbegins its closing movement, said latching means comprising: a latchmember mounted on said gate in a generally horizontal position forvertical movement, a tilting unit carried by a stationary support andhaving a generally upright arm with a latch blocking portion forengaging and arresting said latch member at the end of the openingmovement of said gate, said tilting unit being pivoted at a level belowsaid latch blocking portion so said upright arm tilts backward from anormal position in response to the thrust of the latch member generatedby the momentum of the gate, said tilting unit having a latch liftingarm extending forward from said upright arm such that when the uprightarm is thrust backward the latch lifting arm swings upward from a normallower position to a raised position and carries said latch member uponitself to a raised position, means for restraining said latch memberfrom gate closing movement while said lifting arm is in said raisedposition and for releasing said latch member for such movement when saidlifting arm is in its normal lower position, spring means for returningsaid lifting arm to its normal lower position, and a dashpot connectingsaid tilting unit with said stationary support to retard the lowering ofsaid lifting arm to its normal lower position and thus provide a timeinterval during which said latch member is restrained and said gate isheld open before it begins its closing movement.
 14. An automatic gateaccording to claim 16 and with said latch lifting arm normally disposedin the swing path of said latch member at an elevation adapted to camsaid latch member upon itself when the gate nears its fully openposition in its opening movement.
 15. In a gate mounted at one end forrotation about a vertical pivot axis from a closed position in eitherdirection to an open position, a longitudinal livestock barrier unit,means for mounting said barrier unit for pivotal movement at the bottomabout an upper longitudinal pivot axis from a normal vertical posture toclockwise and counterclockwise tilted postures, means for receiving thethrust of a motor vehicle along the lower part of Said barrier unit forforcibly pivoting said barrier unit about said longitudinal axis, alatch member mounted on said barrier unit for retaining the barrier unitin the closed position when the barrier unit is in its normal verticalposture and for releasing the barrier unit from the closed position whenthe barrier unit is pivoted on said longitudinal pivot axis topredetermined clockwise and counterclockwise tilted postures, andresilient means for storing energy when said barrier unit is pivotedabout said longitudinal pivot axis by a thrust applying vehicle to anunlatching tilted posture and for returning said barrier unit to itsvertical posture with sufficient vigor after latch release to fling thegate about said vertical axis away from the thrust applying vehicle andto an open position.